We are delighted to offer the community a rare chance to step into the shoes of individuals living with dementia, bringing a ‘Dementia Bus’ to Welling.
Home Instead Greenwich and Bexley was delighted to offer the community a rare chance to step into the shoes of individuals living with dementia, bringing a ‘Dementia Bus’ to the area.
The Virtual Dementia Tour bus is supported by medical research, using technology to replicate the sensory changes associated with dementia. By altering the senses, the bus provided participants with a glimpse into the way those living with dementia perceive the world and navigate daily activities. It gave families, care professionals and the community the chance to understand the condition better and learn how they can support people living with dementia.
Fatta Thapa, owner of Home Instead Greenwich and Bexley, commented: “The Virtual Dementia Experience session was truly impactful, and I’m thrilled to have been a part of it. With over 50 attendees, including respected figures like Louie French, MP for Old Bexley & Sidcup, Mayor Cllr Ahmet Dourmoush, and Deputy Mayor Cllr Nigel Betts, the event was a resounding success.”
An estimated 900,000 people are currently living with dementia in the UK. As a home care company which supports people in the community living with dementia, Home Instead is keen to boost understanding of the condition across the area.
As part of Uniform Services Day, an occasion which honours active service professionals, the Virtual Dementia Tour Bus, in collaboration with Training 2 Care, was stationed at Bellegrove Road, Welling on Saturday. Fatta Thapa commented: “It was great to be part of an event that celebrates service members in the presence of Bexley Councillors, Army Cadets and members of the general public.”
Fatta, highlighted the importance of the event: “As an advocate for dementia care, I firmly believe that the Virtual Dementia Tour offers a unique experience crucial to understanding dementia from a first-person perspective. This immersive experience helps bridge the gap between those living with the condition and their loved ones, giving them a deeper understanding of the challenges they face.
“Collaborating with Ram and Christina from Home Instead Dartford, and Andrew Sayers from Alzheimer’s Society, made the experience even more impactful as the event truly signified the power of community and knowledge sharing, bettering the lives of our clients and enhancing their quality of care.”
Home Instead Greenwich and Bexley offers care to older people in their own homes. This includes personal care, such as help with dressing and bathing, specialist dementia care, companionship care, and home help.
For more information and to watch a video preview of the Virtual Dementia Tour, please visit https://youtu.be/BKww42Ht_Lk
For more information on Home Instead’s care or career opportunities, please call 0203 7718424 or visit https://www.homeinstead.co.uk/greenwich-bexley